Learning Outcomes

The Social Services Worker Diploma program prepares graduates for employment positions with social service agencies and organizations, residential programs, homes group, shelters and housing services, community health centres, and family service organizations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

Students will have an understanding of:

• You will gain a solid understanding of the social and community services available and the role of social services workers in improving the social welfare of individuals and communities.
• You will be able to recognize at-risk behaviours across a variety of groups.
• You will be able to describe the effects of psychoactive chemicals on target populations suffering with mental illness.
• You will be able to describe the effects of mental health in relation to addiction, diagnosis, and medications used in pharmacotherapies and the impact mental health may have on individuals or communities.
• You will be able to describe and discuss the issues, defining traits, intervention, prevention, and safety issues for those suffering with mental illness.
• You will be able to articulate the impact on the client-counsellor relationship with respect to cultural and diversity issues.
• You will be familiar with resources available under the broad umbrella of the Canadian health care system.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the program, graduates can work in the below occupations list:

• Community Service Worker
• Crisis Intervention Worker
• Developmental Service Worker
• Drop-in Centre Worker
• Family Service Worker
• Group Home Worker
• Income Maintenance Officer – Social Services
• Life Skills Instructor
• Mental Health Worker
• Rehabilitation Worker – Social Services
• Social Services Worker

Admission Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older).

• Criminal record check.
• Immunization report.
• Complete the “Student Declaration – Social Services Support Worker Program” form.
• Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
• International students must meet language proficiency requirements with IELTS (minimum 5.5 band), Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 6, or HCC’s ESC Program.

Assessment Method

A final grade of 60% is required to pass each course unless otherwise indicated on a course outline. Generally, course assessment consists of quizzes, exams, and project-based assignments.Students will be required to complete 100 hrs of work experience. To qualify for work experience, students are required to maintain a minimum C grade average or higher and a minimum attendance of 85%.